The English U21 women’s hockey team sealed a convincing 2-0 victory in the last Pool A match at the World Junior Championships against Chile in Boston yesterday. A successfully converted penalty corner in each half confirmed England’s progress to round two as the second best team from Pool A at the Junior World Cup in Boston.
The English team scored the first goal of the match at the 27th minute when Lauren Turner fired home her second of the tournament.
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It was a hot summers day in Boston, and the heat took its toll on the players, who were playing their third match in four days. The South American players fought hard and defended well allowing England plenty of possession but lesser scoring opportunities. Chile produced several counter attacks too but failed to succeed. Finally, five minutes before time, Abi Harper scored her first goal of the tournament from a penalty corner to give England a 2-0 lead.
With Korea having beaten France earlier in the day, England knew that they were guranteed to reach the medal round even before their match against Chile. England came second in pool A just after favourites Korea due to goal differences.
Assistant Coach Martin Rodgers spoke to the media after the match, “It was a tough game against a well organised Chile team. Although we saw plenty of the ball it was difficult to break them down and overall we didn’t create as many chances as we’d have liked. Playing as they did though, Chile were always dangerous on the counter attack so we’re pleased that we’ve been able to grind out this result.”
The England team have now moved to the medal round Pool E. English captain Sam Quek could not play this match due to injury.
Payoshni Mitra, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
